Wake modification device

ABSTRACT

A wake modification device may include a C-shaped mounting member, a water deflection panel, and an adjustable shaft member extending therebetween. A wake modification kit may include a first wake modification device and a second wake modification device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/038,014, filed Aug. 15, 2014.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure pertains to boats and boating and recreational activity accessories. More particularly, the present disclosure pertains to a wake modification device for mounting on a boat.

BACKGROUND

A wide variety of recreational water-based activities may be performed while using, in, and/or around a boat, such as, for example, water skiing, tubing, wake boarding, knee boarding, swimming, etc. Surfing is a recreational water-based activity that is most commonly done along the shoreline of oceans or very large bodies of waters where waves break against the shoreline. Wake surfing combines elements of surfing and boating by using the wake of a boat as a platform or means to surf on smaller bodies of water (i.e., lakes, rivers, etc.) that would not normally support surfing. Various devices and/or modifications for boats have been devised in attempts to control the size of the wake, each having certain advantages and disadvantages. There is an ongoing need to provide alternative wake modification devices.

SUMMARY

A wake modification device may include a C-shaped mounting member, a water deflection panel, and an adjustable shaft member extending therebetween.

A wake modification kit may include a first wake modification device and a second wake modification device.

The above summary of some embodiments, aspects, and/or examples is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. The Figures, and Detailed Description, which follow, more particularly exemplify these embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example wake modification device;

FIG. 2 illustrates elements of an example wake modification device;

FIG. 3 illustrates elements of an example wake modification device;

FIG. 4 illustrates elements of an example wake modification device;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example wake modification device mounted on a boat; and

FIG. 6 illustrates an example wake modification device mounted on a boat.

While the disclosure is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description should be read with reference to the drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views. The detailed description and drawings are intended to illustrate but not limit the claimed invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the various elements described and/or shown may be arranged in various combinations and configurations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The detailed description and drawings illustrate example embodiments of the claimed invention.

For the following defined terms, these definitions shall be applied, unless a different definition is given in the claims or elsewhere in this specification.

All numeric values are herein assumed to be modified by the term “about,” whether or not explicitly indicated. The term “about”, in the context of numeric values, generally refers to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances, the term “about” may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. Other uses of the term “about” (i.e., in a context other than numeric values) may be assumed to have their ordinary and customary definition(s), as understood from and consistent with the context of the specification, unless otherwise specified.

The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers within that range, including the endpoints (e.g. 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5).

Although some suitable dimensions, ranges and/or values pertaining to various components, features and/or specifications are disclosed, one of skill in the art, incited by the present disclosure, would understand desired dimensions, ranges and/or values may deviate from those expressly disclosed.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

It is noted that references in the specification to “an embodiment”, “some embodiments”, “other embodiments”, etc., indicate that the embodiment(s) described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it would be within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described, unless clearly stated to the contrary. That is, the various individual elements described below, even if not explicitly shown in a particular combination, are nevertheless contemplated as being combinable or arrangable with each other to form other additional embodiments or to complement and/or enrich the described embodiment(s), as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example wake modification device. In some embodiments, the wake modification device may be couplable or mountable to a hull of a boat, a swim platform or mounting structure attached to a hull of a boat, or another suitable mounting location. In some embodiments, a wake modification device may include a water diverting element coupled to a C-shaped mounting member. In some embodiments, the water diverting element may include a relatively flat, rigid panel having a generally rectangular shape, although other elongated shapes are possible. In some embodiments, an end of the panel of the water diverting element may have a cushioning element mounted thereon. In some embodiments, the cushioning element may include a rubber strip, a foam block, an air bag, or other suitable structure. In some embodiments, the cushioning element may be configured to engage and/or rest against a hull of a boat without damaging a surface or finish of the hull. In some embodiments, the cushioning element may be mounted to the panel using mechanical fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, rivets, etc.), adhesives, or other suitable means including, but not limited to, being integrally formed with and/or bonded to the panel.

The panel may be constructed and/or formed from any suitable material having the necessary rigidity and/or strength to withstand the forces associated with diverting or deflecting moving water. The panel may be constructed and/or formed from, for example, a metallic material such as stainless steel, aluminum, or other suitable metals or alloys, or a polymeric material such as high density polyethylene (HDPE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), nylon, polyester, or other suitable polymers including, but not limited to, fiber-reinforced polymer composites (e.g., glass-filled nylon, etc.), fiber and resin composites, polymer mixtures, and/or combinations thereof. Other suitable materials are also contemplated.

In some embodiments, the C-shaped mounting member may be configured to couple or mount the wake modification device to a hull of a boat, to a swim platform or mounting structure attached to a hull of a boat, or to another suitable mounting location, using a clamping mechanism. In some embodiments, the C-shaped mounting member may be constructed and/or formed from any suitable material having the necessary rigidity and/or strength to withstand the forces associated with diverting or deflecting moving water. The panel may be constructed and/or formed from, for example, a metallic material such as stainless steel, aluminum, or other suitable metals or alloys. In some embodiments, the C-shaped mounting member may be formed by casting, machining, extrusion, mechanical assembly, combinations thereof, or other suitable means or methods.

In some embodiments, the C-shaped mounting member may include a first leg portion, a second leg portion oriented generally parallel to the first leg portion, and a connecting portion extending between the first leg portion and the second leg portion, as seen in FIG. 2 for example. In some embodiments, the connecting portion may be fixedly attached to and/or integrally formed with the first leg portion and/or the second leg portion. In some embodiments, the connecting portion may be oriented substantially perpendicular to the first leg portion and/or the second leg portion. Other orientations and configurations are also contemplated.

In some embodiments, the C-shaped mounting member may include a plurality of apertures in the first leg portion configured to engage elements of the clamping mechanism. In some embodiments, the clamping mechanism may include one or more smooth-walled guide pins fixedly attached to bar member. In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures in the first leg portion of the C-shaped mounting member may include one or more corresponding smooth-bored holes configured to slidably receive the one or more smooth-walled guide pins therein, as seen in FIG. 3 for example. In the example wake modification device illustrated herein, two guide pins are shown. However, in some embodiments, one, two, three, four, five, six, or more guide pins (and corresponding holes) may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

In some embodiments, the clamping mechanism may include one or more threaded members configured to threadably and/or rotatably engage the C-shaped mounting member. In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures in the first leg portion of the C-shaped mounting member may include one or more internally-threaded orifices configured to threadably and/or rotatably receive the one or more threaded members therein. In some embodiments, the one or more threaded members may be configured to engage with and/or press against the bar member, thereby urging the bar member away from the one or more internally-threaded orifices and/or the first leg portion and toward the second leg portion of the C-shaped mounting member. In some embodiments, the second leg portion and the bar member may cooperate to squeeze, pinch, compress, or otherwise clamp therebetween a portion of a hull of a boat, a swim platform or mounting structure attached to a hull of a boat, or another suitable mounting location or structure, as seen in FIG. 4 for example. In the example wake modification device illustrated herein, two threaded members are shown. However, in some embodiments, one, two, three, four, five, six, or more threaded members (and corresponding orifices) may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

In some embodiments, the connecting portion may include a selectively positionable joint mounted thereto. In some embodiments, the joint may be a ball and socket joint, a universal joint, or another suitable joint. For the purpose of illustration, a ball and socket joint is shown and discussion will be so limited in the interest of brevity. In some embodiments, the connecting portion may include a socket portion of a ball and socket joint fixedly mounted thereto. In some embodiments, the socket portion may be configured movably receive a ball portion of a ball and socket joint therein. In some embodiments, a ball and socket joint may include an annular ring member configured to attach to the socket portion with one or more adjustable fasteners to thereby retain the ball portion within the socket portion. In some embodiments, the one or more adjustable fasteners may be tightened or otherwise actuated to bring the annular ring member into closer proximity to the socket portion, thereby squeezing, pinching, compressing, or otherwise clamping the ball portion therebetween so as to limit movement of the ball portion relative to the socket portion. When the one or more adjustable fasteners are sufficiently loosened, the ball portion may be moved (e.g., rotated) relative to the socket portion so as to adjust relative positioning of the ball portion and the socket portion.

In some embodiments, the panel may include a selectively positionable joint mounted thereto. In some embodiments, the joint may be a ball and socket joint, a universal joint, or another suitable joint. For the purpose of illustration, a ball and socket joint is shown and discussion will be so limited in the interest of brevity. In some embodiments, the panel may include a socket portion of a ball and socket joint fixedly mounted thereto. In some embodiments, the socket portion may be configured movably receive a ball portion of a ball and socket joint therein. In some embodiments, a ball and socket joint may include an annular ring member configured to attach to the socket portion with one or more adjustable fasteners to thereby retain the ball portion within the socket portion. In some embodiments, the one or more adjustable fasteners may be tightened or otherwise actuated to bring the annular ring member into closer proximity to the socket portion, thereby squeezing, pinching, compressing, or otherwise clamping the ball portion therebetween so as to limit movement of the ball portion relative to the socket portion. When the one or more adjustable fasteners are sufficiently loosened, the ball portion may be moved (e.g., rotated) relative to the socket portion so as to adjust relative positioning of the ball portion and the socket portion.

In some embodiments, each ball portion may include an elongated shaft fixedly attached thereto. In some embodiments, the ball portion received within the socket portion mounted to the C-shaped mounting member may include a first elongated shaft fixedly attached thereto and extending away from the ball portion to a first shaft end. In some embodiments, the ball portion received within the socket portion mounted to the panel may include a second elongated shaft fixedly attached thereto and extending away from the ball portion to a second shaft end.

In some embodiments, the second elongated shaft may include an expandable second shaft end opposite the ball portion, the second end being configured to slidably receive the first shaft end of the first elongated shaft therein. In some embodiments, the second shaft end may include or form a collet, as seen in FIG. 2 for example. In some embodiments, the collet may include a clamping ring disposed about the second shaft end, the clamping ring being configured to compress the collet radially inward when tightened. In some embodiments, when the clamping ring is loosened, the first elongated shaft and the second elongated shaft may be translatable or movable relative to each other. In some embodiments, when the clamping ring is tightened and the collet is compressed radially inward, the first elongated shaft and the second elongated shaft may be fixed in position relative to each other. Alternatively, the first elongated shaft and the second elongated shaft maybe reversed such that the first elongate shaft is fixedly attached to the ball portion received within the socket portion mounted to the panel and the second elongate shaft is fixedly attached to the ball portion received within the socket portion mounted to the C-shaped mounting member.

In use, the C-shaped mounting member may be removably attached, coupled, or otherwise mounted to a hull of a boat, a swim platform or other mounting structure, or other suitable structure. For simplicity, discussion will be limited to mounting on a swim platform, but the skilled artisan will readily understand attaching, coupling, or mounting the C-shaped mounting member to other suitable structure. The removable nature of the

C-shaped mounting member, and indeed the example wake modification device in general, enables the example wake modification device to be portable for use and/or installation in different instances (i.e., different boats, different mounting structures, etc.). In some embodiments, the example wake modification device may include one or more tethers coupled thereto, the one or more tethers being configured to couple to at least one fixed mounting point on a boat (as seen in FIGS. 5-6 for example), thereby providing a safety attachment of the example wake modification device to the boat in the event of loosening, damage, or other incident during use.

In some embodiments, one or more tools may be attached to the one or more tethers, the one or more tools being configured to engage and/or cooperate with the clamping ring, the annular ring member(s) and/or the one or more adjustable fasteners, and/or the one or more threaded members to effect tightening, loosening, and/or adjustment thereof.

With the C-shaped mounting member mounted to a swim platform, the cushioning element may contact and/or rest against a hull of the boat. With the clamping ring and/or the annular ring member(s) of the ball and socket joint(s) loosened, the first elongated shaft and the second elongated shaft may be translated relative to each other to affect positioning of the panel relative to the hull of the boat. Extending the first elongated shaft and the second elongated shaft relative to each other, such that the joint on the panel and the joint on the C-shaped mounting member are moved farther apart, generally serves to pivot the panel about the cushioning element to move an opposing end of the panel laterally outward from (i.e., away from) a centerline of the hull of the boat. Since the joints permit flexible movement in a number of directions, the panel may be positioned as desired relative to the hull of the boat.

In some embodiments, the joint mounted to the panel may be positioned along an edge of the panel. In some embodiments, the joint mounted to the panel may be positioned at or near a center of the panel. In some embodiments, the panel of the wake modification device may be configured as a “left side” (port) panel. In some embodiments, the panel of the wake modification device may be configured as a “right side” (starboard) panel. In some embodiments, the panel of the wake modification may be configured as a “universal” panel capable of being used on either of the “left side” (port) or the “right side” (starboard) of a hull of a boat.

In some embodiments, a wake modification kit may include a first wake modification device and a second wake modification device, with the wake modification devices being as described herein. In some embodiments, the panel of the first wake modification device in the kit may be configured as one of a “left side” (port) panel and a “right side” (starboard) panel, with the panel of the second wake modification device in the kit being configured as the other of the “left side” (port) panel and the “right side” (starboard) panel. In some embodiments, the panel of the first wake modification device in the kit and the panel of the second wake modification device in the kit may both be configured as a “universal” panel.

It should be understood that this disclosure is, in many respects, only illustrative. Changes may be made in details, particularly in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of steps without exceeding the scope of the invention. This may include, to the extent that it is appropriate, the use of any of the features of one example embodiment being used in other embodiments. The invention's scope is, of course, defined in the language in which the appended claims are expressed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A wake modification device, comprising: a C-shaped mounting member; a water deflection panel; and an adjustable shaft member extending therebetween.
 2. The wake modification device of claim 1, wherein the adjustable shaft member includes a first elongated shaft and a second elongated shaft translatable relative to the first elongated shaft.
 3. The wake modification device of claim 1, wherein the adjustable shaft member includes a ball and socket joint at each end, the ball and socket joints being mounted to the C-shaped mounting member and the water deflection panel.
 4. The wake modification device of claim 1, wherein the wake modification device is configured to mount to a swim platform attached to a hull of a boat.
 5. A wake modification kit, comprising: a first wake modification device according to claim 1; and a second wake modification device according to claim
 1. 6. The wake modification kit of claim 5, wherein the first wake modification device is configured to mount to a swim platform attached to a hull of a boat and the second wake modification device is configured to mount to the swim platform attached to the hull of the boat.
 7. The wake modification kit of claim 6, wherein the panel of the first wake modification device in the kit is configured as one of a port panel and a starboard panel, with the panel of the second wake modification device in the kit is configured as the other of the port panel and the starboard panel. 